Ernest Finney

Published 8:00 pm, Saturday, September 18, 2004

Ernest Finney, 91, a 51-year resident of Sanford, died Friday afternoon, September 17, 2004 at MidMichigan Stratford Village in Midland. He was born August 10, 1913 in Coleman, the son of the late Harry and Arvella (Slee) Finney. He married the former Helen Mae Anderson on April 4, 1936 in Midland. Helen precedes him in death on June 20, 1999. In the early 1930s, Ernest served in the CCC Camp (Civilian Conservation Corps, formed by F.D. Roosevelt to help bring the U.S. out of the great depression), in reforestation in Marquette. He was an avid woodworker who liked hunting, fishing, and spending time with his family. Loving to watch sports, he relished in watching his grandchildren compete, and supported their athletic achievements. He retired from the Dow Chemical Company as a millwright in 1974. Ernest enjoyed attending the 'Fiddlers Jamboree', had been a member of the Sanford Senior Citizens 'Jack and Jills' and will be dearly missed by his extended family and countless friends for his big hugs. He is survived by his sons, Ernest Laverne (Sandra Pelcher) Finney, and Eugene C. (Brenda) Finney both of Midland, son-in-law, Leonard (Nancy) Lewis of Beaverton; daughters-in-law, Patricia Finney of Midland, and Juanita Finney of Sanford, 16 grandchildren, 32 great grandchildren, 6 great-great grandchildren; a brother Mike Finney of Barrington; sisters, Myrtle Roberts of Coleman, Bernice Finney of Bay City, Reva (Earl) Bills of Coleman, and many nieces and nephews. In addition to his wife and parents, he was preceded in death by sons Derwin and Larry, daughter Carolyn Lewis, and 5 brothers. Funeral services for Ernest will take place at 3 p.m. Monday, September 20, 2004 from the Ware-Smith-Woolever Funeral Chapel, 1200 West Wheeler Street, Pastor Fred Taylor of the Sanford Baptist Church will officiate and interment will follow in Sanford Cemetery. Ernest's family will receive friends at the funeral home on Sunday from 2-4 & 6-8 p.m., and again on Monday from 2 p.m. until the time of the service. Those planning an expression of sympathy are asked to consider the Midland County Council on Aging. Please share your thoughts and memories with the family at the funeral home or through waresmithwoolever.com